The pre-season accolades roll in once again for the Texas Longhorns.
While most might consider their offense the squad’s premier position group, let’s not sleep on the Longhorn defense. Headed into the 2025 season, Texas’ defense is rated the #2 core in all college football, complimenting their #3 nationally rated offense.
Texas’ boast of three nominations ties them #2 in the country with Alabama, Clemson and Oregon. Only Georgia has more nominees (4).
Last season, former UT DB and 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner Jahdae Barron was one of four finalists for the Nagurski Trophy. Barron was Texas’ first Nagurski Trophy finalist since DT Malcolm Brown in 2014 while the Longhorns’ last winner was DE Brian Orakpo in 2008.
Earlier this afternoon, three Texas Longhorns: Micheal Taaffe, Colin Simmons and Anthony Hill jr. were placed on the Nagurski Trophy watchlist. The Bronko Nagurski trophy is a prestigious award for defensive players and their position. Originated in 1993 to the best defensive football player in college. The award recognizes excellence in the defensive aspect of football.
Let’s start with the original and veteran of the group Michael Taaffe. The former walk on turned Longhorn legend continues to defy the odds again and again. In 2024, Taffe recorded 40 solo tackles alongside, 10 pass breakups and 2 interceptions. Headed into the 2025 season, Taffe is looking to stay atop Draft boards and show the world why he is college football’s top safety.
Anthony Hill Jr is an absolute menace over the middle. Hill has proved himself as one of the top run defenders in all college football, recording 59 solo tackles and 8 sacks during his impressive sophomore campaign. It’s only a matter of time until we hear Anthony Hill Jr.’s name called during round one of the 2026 NFL Draft. Until then, all we can do is sit back and watch the magic.
Let’s take things over to the trenches, where EDGE Colin Simmons thrives. Simmons is THE best pass rusher in the game headed into 2025. During his 2024 masterclass, Colin recorded 31 solo tackles, 9 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Long story short, Colin Simmons finds permanent residence in the backfield of opposing offenses, and he’s not leaving anytime soon.
Cover Photo Credits: Texas Football
